Milbon Showroom: Studio Prepro: Celebrating Essential Beauty Through Heritage and Design

Located in the vibrant Gangnam District, South Korea, the Milbon Showroom by Studio Prepro spans 355 m² and was completed in 2024. This sophisticated space reflects Milbon’s legacy as a Japanese hair cosmetic brand with over 60 years of history, embodying authenticity, refinement, and a dedication to enriching life through beauty.

Concept and Design Narrative

The design concept revolves around “Heritage”, capturing Milbon’s longstanding commitment to quality hair care and education. Beyond providing premium hair products, Milbon fosters professional growth through lectures and training sessions for hair designers, emphasizing authenticity, mental enrichment, and the diversity of life. The showroom’s design interprets these values spatially, creating an environment where essential beauty and timelessness are palpable.

Materiality and Spatial Experience

The showroom communicates essential beauty through the pure materiality of its finishes. Concrete panels extend from interior flooring to the terrace, creating a seamless sense of openness. Rough stone textures contrast elegantly with soft, curved display forms, while a curved ceiling introduces dynamism and flow. This thoughtful material palette cultivates a comfortable, warm atmosphere, appealing to visitors across age groups while reflecting the brand’s integrity.

Layout and Functional Zones

The interior is divided into two primary areas:

1. Showroom – Designed for product display and testing, the showroom welcomes visitors directly from the exterior. A curved display wall and central island create focal points, while spatial separation is achieved through a raised floor, enhancing circulation and engagement.
2. Event Hall & Studio – A versatile space supporting hair shows, lectures, workshops, and photography, equipped with stage lighting, a portable podium, and a large monitor. Pinpoint lighting dramatizes the studio, giving it a theatrical presence reminiscent of a stage.

The shampoo area acts as a transitional zone, softening the shift from the showroom’s openness to the studio’s intimate ambiance. Flexible elements such as a moving wall allow spatial adaptability, ensuring the space responds to varying event requirements.

Design Highlights

• Seamless indoor-outdoor flow via extended concrete panels.
• Dynamic curved elements creating visual intrigue.
• Material contrasts emphasizing stone textures against smooth forms.
• Multifunctional event space accommodating hair shows, lectures, and photography.
• Flexible spatial solutions with raised floors and moving walls.

The Milbon Showroom exemplifies how interior design can embody brand values, translating Milbon’s dedication to beauty, education, and heritage into a tangible, immersive environment. The space balances essential beauty with functional versatility, creating a welcoming, inspiring atmosphere for visitors and professionals alike.

All photographs are works of  Donggyu Kim